Retainers

Your beautiful new smile is meant to last a lifetime. Wearing your retainer is how you ensure that!

When you’re moving into the final phase of your treatment, Dr. Matsumoto will tell you everything you need to know about wearing your retainer and caring for your retainer.

In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about retainers!

woman with sunglasses reveals her braces for adults with a smile

What does a retainer do?

Your retainer holds your teeth in their final position to solidify your beautiful results. 

Once your treatment is complete and your teeth no longer have the support of your braces or clear aligners, your teeth are at an increased risk of “relapsing” or shifting back to their original pre-treatment position.

Your retainer plays the key role of preventing orthodontic relapse and providing continued support for your new smile while your teeth, bone and gums stabilize after active treatment.

Once your treatment with braces, BRIUS® or Invisalign® is complete, it’s time to retain your smile! You’ll receive a custom retainer, printed by our very own 3D printer (or by Invisalign) to ensure that you keep your beautiful new smile for years to come.

Types of Retainers

There are two main types of retainerspermanent retainers (fixed retainers) and removable retainers.

Fixed or Permanent Retainers

Permanent retainers are bonded (or cemented) to the teeth. These retainers include a small metal wire, custom-designed to fit behind the teeth. They’re generally bonded to the back surface of the bottom teeth, but can also be used behind the top teeth depending on your condition.

Typically, fixed retainers will remain in place for a lifetime to ensure that your teeth don’t shift out of alignment.

Removable Retainers

Removable retainers can be taken out of your mouth and placed back in as needed. The main types of removable retainers are Hawley retainers and Essix retainers. 

The Hawley retainer has metal wires with an acrylic center that sits in the roof of the mouth. An Essix retainer is similar to Invisalign; it’s a clear retainer made of plastic, custom-made to cover the front and back surfaces of the teeth.

How long will I wear a retainer after braces or Invisalign?

Right after your braces or Invisalign treatment, you’ll be instructed to wear your retainer for 24 hours. Wear it through the day and night, only taking it out to eat, brush and floss your teeth.

After about 6 months, you’ll be able to reduce your wear to nights only!

We know 6 months sounds like a long time, but think of it this way—wearing your retainer is far more convenient than undergoing another orthodontic treatment in the future.

Wearing your retainer after braces, Brius or Invisalign will prevent your teeth from relapsing, so you can still love your smile 10 years from now.

How much does a retainer cost?

Your initial set of retainers will be included in your orthodontic treatment cost!

However, if you happen to lose or break your retainer, there will be a replacement fee. If this happens, please reach out to us asap.

We want you to have a new retainer as soon as possible to prevent your teeth from shifting out of place and jeopardizing your hard work.

When you’re transitioning into the retention phase of your treatment, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about retainer wear and care!

start your transformation today.

A beautiful smile can change your life. 

Dr. Matsumoto and our experienced team are here to guide you, so you can experience a positive treatment process while you achieve your perfect smile.

Ready to get started? Request your complimentary consultation at our convenient Porters Neck office in Wilmington, NC today!